Exotic Rides: BMW ALPINA B7

The holder of the BMW's Comfort Access keyless remote possesses ultimate passage to the enchanted B7 saloon gateway. Spectacular comfort inside the ALPINA B7 remains with premium 7 Series appointments found within. The 750i's optional equipment list (heated rear seats, electronically power privacy rear blinds and Alcantara headliner) are promoted to standard features on the B7. Also bumped into this elitist's BMW sedan, the standard Logic7 stereo system is upgraded to 13 speakers. Along with the in-dash, six-disc CD changer, broader-ranging audio palates can also be indulged in thanks to a lifetime subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Capturing a natural feel for the cabin environment, the door panels, center console and the dashboard are amply decorated with the highest-quality "burl-maple" wood. For the crowning achievement, look no further than the B7's throne: the driver's seat. While both front seats are heated and sculpted in ventilated Nasca leather, the 20-way electrically adjustable driver seat sits behind a leather-wrapped steering wheel with special stitching and an instrument cluster displaying a 200 mph speedometer — truly the best seat in the house.

Sitting in extreme comfort, the six-speed ZF automatic gearbox works in harmony with ALPINA's own Switch-Tronic shifting buttons. Make use of the mid-rev torque, and note that not even the tricky throttle will stop an acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Better yet, once up to speed, the ALPINA B7 has been freed of any electronic speed limiters, allowing that 186 mph top speed to be within a driver's grasp. Drawing little away from the limousine-type ride, the B7's suspension tuning is calibrated in cooperation with Active Roll Stabilization for a racier, more responsive ride. So, while it may be a larger saloon ride, the ALPINA B7 is nothing short of a spectacularly comfortable, race-ready sedan.

The verdict

Elevating itself beyond a fully loaded BMW 7 Series, the ALPINA B7 presents itself as a sensational way to spoil your most exotic automotive tastes. With BMW reporting only 611 models currently being sold in North America through special order (560 in the United States and 51 in Canada, to be exact), the ALPINA B7 is Beluga caviar among luxury cars.

Luxury score: 44/50

Practical ride

Four doors usually speaks volumes for the commuting freedoms of a vehicle, and the ALPINA B7's generous scale bodes well for both passenger and cargo space. One area of note is the BMW 7 Series' Texas-sized, 18-cubic-foot trunk; left unchanged following the ALPINA conversion. While seating comfortably caters to the driver and five passengers, it's unlikely to see this space fully exploited for chauffeured travels or family motoring (you're even less likely to see a B7 in front of an ice cream shop). However, the option is there should you choose to exploit it.

We know it drives well, but is the ALPINA B7 worth the extra cash to be a daily driver?